A heart for Israel…and Israel's Messiah!

The King Awaits His Invitation

Recall that after Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, He proclaimed they will not see Him again until He hears “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Matthew 23:39) Jesus, a gentleman, is not going to barge on to the scene, but rather will wait for that special invitation, signaling His people are ready to receive Him.

But, before we get there, let’s talk briefly about the immanency of His return. This week’s study is focused on the return of Jesus to His people. That occurs after the tribulation, which means at least 7 years after believers in Jesus are taken out by rapture. Thus, while we see signs pointing to that, we must be reminded that our departure via the rapture is indeed very imminent.

Here are some signs of the times, some of which will happen before the rapture, some of which will happen later. All of which we see lining up right now!

Prophetic signs of Jesus. Example: Matthew 24 warns of false messiahs, wars and rumors of wars and natural disasters, all of which have greater prevalence now than ever before.

Prophetic signs of Paul. Try reading 2 Timothy 3:1-5 where Paul leaves a laundry list of moral failures that characterize the last days. We’re living in that time!

Prophetic signs of Isaiah. There are many, but perhaps none making today’s headlines more than Isaiah 17:1, indicating the destruction of Damascus. How much longer can Damascus stand? Almost the entire city is destroyed right now.

Prophetic signs of Ezekiel. It is likely no one needs to remind you that the Ezekiel 38 coalition of forces that will attack Israel is now firmly in place on Israel’s northern border. The stage is set.

But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

The King is coming, and He is awaiting the Matthew 23:39 invitation. However, I believe there is another invitation that pleases Him also. It is found in Revelation 22:17:

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

This is a wedding scene where the Spirit of God and His bride (believers!) join together in a chorus of “Come!” Can you even imagine what heaven will sound like when God brings His family together as one to wed His Son!

It doesn’t hold a candle to it, but perhaps the imagery in your mind is kindled with this:

Indeed, the grandest wedding celebration of all time will occur when God establishes His family and brings us all together in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant…the Millennial Kingdom!

Meanwhile, we keep looking for the Blessed Hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13)! (That is the topic of our last week of study together, so be sure to stick with us!)